Browns sign RB Jackson, rookie S Slaughter

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns signed running back Brandon Jackson to a 1-year contract, bringing him back after two seasons in which he never got to showcase his versatility.

Jackson, who only played in two games last season, was re-signed by the club on Tuesday, among a flurry of moves as the Browns began their second week of OTAs (organized team activities) under coach Rob Chudzinski.

The team also signed rookie safety Jamoris Slaughter to a 4-year contract and released safety Eric Hagg, a seventh-round pick in 2011.

The Browns expected big things from Jackson when they signed him as an unrestricted free agent from Green Bay in 2011. However, the 5-foot-10, 216-pounder missed the entire 2011 season with a toe injury. Last season, Jackson appeared in only two games and finished with 54 yards on eight carries.

Jackson could be a nice fit in Chudzinski's offense, which incorporates underneath passes to the running backs. Before he joined the Browns the first time, Jackson set career-highs in rushing attempts (190), yards (703), touchdowns (3), receptions (43) and receiving yards (844) while helping the Green Bay Packer win the Super Bowl.

Slaughter — selected out of Notre Dame in the sixth round — is the first member of the 2013 rookie class to sign with the Browns. He started the first three games for the Fighting Irish last season before injuring his Achilles. He missed the remainder of the year, but the Browns feel he's close to returning or they wouldn't have let go of Hagg.

Hagg started the Browns' first two games last season before he was benched. He finished with 22 tackles and broke up one pass. With Hagg out of the mix, second-year safety Tashaun Gipson appears to be the frontrunner to start alongside T.J. Ward.

The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Maysonet signed with the Eagles following April's draft. He rushed for 1,964 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior at Stony Brook.